Lithops olivacea

Lithops olivacea, native to arid regions, has an impressive ability to store water, making it highly drought-tolerant. It should be watered sparingly, about every three weeks. In low-humidity indoor environments, occasional misting during its growth period can be beneficial by mimicking the brief rain showers of its natural habitat.

Originating in arid areas, Lithops olivacea performs best in full sun, since its natural habitat has intense sunlight and little shade. It will also tolerate partial sun, providing some flexibility in its growth.

While it tolerates some heat, Lithops olivacea mainly thrives and grows in cooler seasons and goes dormant in summer. In hot summer weather, provide shade to prevent scorching from intense sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest part of the year to avoid root rot. Lithops olivacea grows most vigorously in winter and spring, and it will continue to grow steadily as long as temperatures do not fall too low.

For Lithops olivacea, small amounts of fertilizer applied once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Reduce feeding for recently repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages flowering.

When repotting Lithops olivacea, choose a pot a little bigger than the current one that has good drainage. Plant it in a gritty succulent or cactus mix that drains well. Gently take the plant out of its old pot, brush away excess soil, and set it back in at the same depth. Hold off watering for several days to let any root damage recover. Repot during spring or fall, and place it in a brightly lit spot.

To maintain the shape of Lithops olivacea, you may need to prune it, especially in the spring and autumn. Focus on removing any dense or redundant branches. For propagation, cut a sturdy stem with 5-6 leaves. Apply sulfur powder to the cut wound and allow it to heal before planting in slightly moist soil.